Concussions
Concussions are a type of brain injury that can affect the brain’s ability to function properly. A concussion occurs when a sudden movement causes the brain to bounce or move around in the skull. While signs of a concussion often show up soon after the injury, the severity may not be known for several days.
Common symptoms of a concussion include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Difficulty balancing
- Headaches
- Light and noise sensitivity
- Fatigue
- Confusion
While there is no specific treatment for a concussion, rest to restrict brain activity is often important in the healing process.
Brain Contusion
A brain contusion, also known as a “brain bruise”, is a serious type of brain injury that can cause bleeding and swelling. Much like concussions, brain contusions occur when a sudden movement causes the brain to bounce around the skull. Brain contusions range from mild to serious in which immediate medical treatment is required.
Common symptoms of a brain contusion include:
- Loss of consciousness for an extended period of time
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Pupil dilation
- Loss of memory
- Neurological deficits
Treatment for brain contusions can range from close observation to surgical intervention depending on the severity of the injury.
Diffuse Axonal Injury
Diffuse axonal is a type of brain injury in which the long fibers of the brain called axons are sheared. This typically occurs with rapid acceleration and deceleration of the brain. Common symptoms of a diffuse axonal injury include:
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Sleep interruption
- Fatigue
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Neurological deficits
Treatments for a diffuse axonal injury are broad and can include numerous types of therapy including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
